2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo Hatchback — The Next Mazdaspeed3?

Mazda USA

Today, Mazda USA revealed that they will be offering the 2021 Mazda3 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with glorious turbocharged assistance. Power figures are respectable: the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter engine will produce 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-feet on 93 octane (less on 91, sorry California), which will be sent to the pavement via their i-Activ all-wheel drive system.

While we’re quite excited for this long-needed bump in power for the sleek, fun-to-drive hatchback, we hope a manual transmission option will be offered at some point; as they currently plan to only offer it with an automatic.

We’re also quite curious if they will be offering a Mazdaspeed version as a strong follow-up to the beloved-by-enthusiasts gen-1 and gen-2 Mazdaspeed3s. A fair bit of research amounted to nothing confirmed, or even lightly-hinted-at by Mazda, but we’d like to at least see some sort of enthusiast-focused option, Mazdaspeed badge or not. This would certainly be a great accompaniment to their TCR program debuting in 2021; TCR rivals Hyundai and Honda offer racecars-for-the-road with their Veloster N and Civic Type R, respectively. Even if it isn’t called a Mazdaspeed, perhaps they’d call it the “Club” so as to keep in-line with branding, à la the MX-5 Club.

Combine this with a great starting platform containing tons of standard tech and amenities, and it would be quite the contender. Check out the press release from Mazda USA for more details on the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo:

IRVINE, Calif. (July 8, 2020) – The launch of the fourth generation Mazda3 stirred emotions with its bold yet sophisticated styling. Renowned as the World Car Design of the Year, fans were captivated by its mature interpretation of Kodo design, but some asked for more power and Mazda listened. Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announces the addition of the turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine to the 2021 Mazda3 powertrain offering.

Connected and engaging driving dynamics mean road trips are no longer just for special occasions. Each experience in the 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo feels more pronounced and spirited. The Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine will deliver an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium (93 octane) fuel or a solid 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with regular (87 octane) fuel. This engine is specifically calibrated to the Mazda3 so as to deliver the unique driving dynamics expected by our most passionate drivers. The evolution of Mazda’s turbo engine brings a sense of refinement befitting the brand’s recent updates to the i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The high torque characteristic of the Skyactiv-G 2.5T paired with the predictive i-Activ AWD create harmony with the driver’s intentions — delivering greater responsiveness and confidence.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo comes standard with Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM, Mazda Connected Services with three-year trial and in-car Wi-Fi hot spot with six-months or 2GB trial, Bose® 12-speaker premium audio, 8.8-inch large center display with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio, two front USB inputs and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry. Complementing the feel of refined performance, heated leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, frameless auto-dim rearview mirror and chrome finishes around the push button start and glove box are exclusive to the turbo offering. Other interior features include Mazda’s Active Driving Display head-up unit, power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leatherette seating, leather wrapped shift knob and aluminum speaker grilles. To encourage peace of mind, the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo includes standard i-Activsense safety technologies such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Adaptive Front-lighting system and High Beam Control. Additional standard equipment include larger tailpipes, 18-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, gloss black heated door mirrors, “TURBO” badge on the trunk and on the engine cover, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, automatic on/off LED signature headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a shark fin antenna. The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo sedan also features a gloss black front grille and sleek lower front bumper decoration.

The new 2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo with Premium Plus Package heightens the refined styling with a gloss black rear lip spoiler for the sedan while the hatchback is equipped with a gloss black rear roof spoiler and front air dam. Further supporting driving confidence, this top-tier package introduces all-new i-Activsense safety technologies. Rear Smart City Brake Support with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking will automatically apply the brakes when the vehicle is in reverse, if an obstacle or a crossing vehicle is detected. The 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors is now available on the Mazda3 with high-definition digital clarity. A new convenience feature, Traffic Jam Assist enhances Mazda Radar Cruise Control by providing steering inputs at speeds under 40 mph. These advancements in safety technology build upon other features such as Mazda’s Active Driving Display and Adaptive Front-lighting System, which help the Mazda3 stand out among entry-level premium vehicles. The Premium Plus package includes leather seats, navigation and adds HomeLink to the frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Fans are encouraged to download the MyMazda mobile app to receive exclusive Mazda content as it becomes available (must have push notifications turned on), including the latest information on Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, which is expected to arrive in dealerships by the end of this year. For information on Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, please visit: https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/2021-mazda3-turbo.

In addition, the 2021 Mazda3 can be equipped with two naturally aspirated engine options, the Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine or an available Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine with optional i-Activ AWD. The naturally aspirated 2021 Mazda3 offerings will be arriving in dealerships next month, more details can be found in its press release. 2021 Mazda3 pricing will be announced on a later date.